Gel Satin: The Best Way To Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are a magnet for stains, from unsightly fingerprints to grease and food splatters. The good news is that gel stains can provide a durable and attractive finish without the need for heavy sanding or stripping. To clean kitchen cabinets with gel satin, it's important to first assemble the right supplies, including a safe but grease-cutting cleaner, a non-abrasive sponge, and a soft microfibre cloth. Regular maintenance wipe-downs with a mild soap and water solution will help to prevent grime build-up, and for more stubborn stains, a diluted vinegar solution can be used. With the right approach, your kitchen cabinets can be kept pristine, maintaining the beauty of your kitchen design while also removing bacteria and viruses.

How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets with Gel Satin

What you'll need to clean kitchen cabinets with gel stain: Supplies

To clean kitchen cabinets with gel stain, you will need a few supplies. First, you will need to choose the right cleaner for your cabinets. You can use a furniture cleaner, mineral spirits, or a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. If your cabinets have an oil finish, you can use a solvent-based cleaner, but avoid using these with water-based finishes. Once you have your cleaner, you will need some tools to help you apply it and protect your hands and the surrounding area. Here is a list of suggested items:

• Gloves: It is important to wear gloves to protect your hands from the cleaner and stain.
• Scotch Brite pad: This can be used for scrubbing and cleaning the cabinets.
• Sanding pad: If your cabinets need light sanding, use a sanding pad with 120 or 150-grade sandpaper.
• Foam brushes: Foam brushes are great for applying the gel stain.
• Bristle brushes: Bristle brushes can be used to remove excess stain and create a smooth finish.
• Pad applicator or roller: For larger areas, you may want to use a pad applicator or roller for more even coverage.
• Blue shop towels: These can be used for wiping down cabinets and cleaning up any spills.
• Dust cloth: A dust cloth will help you remove any dust or debris before applying the stain.
• Painter's tape: Use painter's tape to cover any areas you don't want to stain, such as glass or surrounding walls and floors.

It is also recommended to have some old rags or microfiber cloths on hand for wiping down the cabinets and applying the stain. You may also need a screwdriver to remove any hardware from the cabinets before cleaning.

With these supplies, you will be well-equipped to clean and gel stain your kitchen cabinets. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and always follow the instructions on your chosen cleaner and stain products.

How to clean the surface

To clean the surface of your kitchen cabinets before gel staining, you can use a few different products. These include furniture cleaner, mineral spirits, or a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. It is important to never use solvent-based cleaners with water-based finishes; instead, opt for the denatured alcohol and water mix. You can also use a product like Krud Kutter, a cleaner/degreaser that removes grime and stickiness and leaves a slightly matte or rough surface for the gel stain to adhere to.

Before you begin cleaning, remove all hardware from the doors and cabinet fronts. This will prevent the gel stain from adhering to these surfaces. Use painter's tape to cover any areas you don't want to be stained, such as glass or surrounding walls and floors.

Once you've prepared the area, apply your chosen cleaner to the cabinet surfaces and drawer fronts. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label and work in a well-ventilated area. After cleaning, wash and rinse the surfaces thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue behind. If there is any residue, it can interfere with the adhesion of the gel stain.

After cleaning and allowing the surfaces to dry, you may need to sand the cabinets, especially if there are spots where the stain doesn't adhere properly. Use a sanding block with a beveled edge to lightly scuff the surface without removing the finish. This step will help the gel stain adhere better and create a smoother finish.

How to maintain kitchen cabinets with gel stain

Maintaining kitchen cabinets with gel stain is a simple and cost-effective way to transform your kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to maintain your kitchen cabinets using gel stain:

Preparation:

Firstly, decide on the overall design and look you want to achieve. If you are refinishing cabinets, remove all the doors and hardware, label each one, and diagram where they go. Cover any glass with painter's tape, otherwise, the stain will adhere to it.

Cleaning:

Next, clean the surface of the cabinets. You can use furniture cleaner, mineral spirits, or a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. It is important to note that you should not use solvent-based cleaners with water-based finishes; instead, opt for the denatured alcohol and water mix. After cleaning, use a scotch brite pad, sanding pad, or a dust cloth to wipe off any dust.

Staining:

Open the gel stain can and stir well. The gel stain has a thick consistency, but it will smooth out after stirring. Using a foam brush, start applying the gel stain in the centre and work your way outwards, following the direction of the wood grain. Re-apply the gel to keep it wet and workable, ensuring you get into the corners.

Removing Excess:

Instead of using a cloth, use a bristle brush to remove any excess stain. Keep a mineral-soaked cloth nearby to dab your brush into before removing excess stain. Then, use a second dry brush to feather out any remaining excess and to remove any smudges.

Drying:

Allow the gel stain to dry for 24-48 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. The ideal drying conditions are 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 70% humidity. The heavier the application, the longer it will take to dry. You can tell if it is dry when it is no longer tacky and there is no smell.

Topcoat:

Even though gel stains have a high solids content and look and feel like they don't need a topcoat, it is important to apply one to lock in and protect the colour. You can use an oil-based gel satin, Arm-R-Seal, water-based high-performance, or Flat Out Flat topcoat.

Gel staining your kitchen cabinets is a quick and easy way to refresh your kitchen and give your cabinets a rich and characterful depth.

Removing tough grease, grime and food splatters

Kitchen cabinets can quickly accumulate grime, grease, and food splatters, especially around the handles and knobs. To remove tough stains, a heavy-duty degreaser is your best option. For example, the Ecolab Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser is an affordable and powerful cleaner that can dissolve grease without any wiping. Plus, its citrus scent can help to deodorize lingering kitchen smells. Alternatively, a simple dish soap solution can also work well to remove grease and grime.

For exterior cabinet stains, fill a bucket with warm water and add a generous amount of dishwashing liquid. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently work the solution over the surface of the cabinets. Be sure to only use the non-scrubby side of the sponge to avoid scratching. Then, rinse off any soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth and let it air-dry. You can also use a simple vinegar and water solution, but be cautious as vinegar can damage certain materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and unfinished wood.

Interior cabinets can often be overlooked, but they too can become stained with drips and splatters of food. For these tougher stains, baking soda and vinegar are a powerful combination. First, remove any loose food particles, then apply the vinegar and baking soda paste directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and reveal a stain-free surface.

If your cabinets are made of wood, it's important to choose a cleaner that won't damage the finish. Before applying any new product, test it on a small, hidden area of the cabinet to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage. Products like Krud-Kutter and Murphy's Oil Soap are known to be effective on wood, but be sure to thoroughly rinse any residue to prevent discolouration.

Deep cleaning kitchen cabinets with gel stain

Gel staining is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without the fuss and cost of a full cabinet renovation. The process is simple and can be done with a few basic tools and materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your kitchen cabinets and applying a gel stain finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Cabinets

Remove all hardware from the cabinet doors and fronts, including hinges, knobs, and pulls. Label each piece and diagram where they go for easy reassembly. Cover any glass with painter's tape to protect it from the stain. It is also recommended to work in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Clean and Degrease

Deep clean the cabinet surfaces and drawer fronts to remove any dirt, grease, or grime buildup. You can use a furniture cleaner, mineral spirits, or a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. For tough grime, a product like Krud Kutter can be effective. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning chemicals. After cleaning, rinse the cabinets thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue behind.

Step 3: Sanding (Optional)

If you wish to achieve a smoother finish or if your cabinets have a strong existing colour or finish, you may want to consider sanding. Use fine-grade sandpaper (120-150 grit) to rough up the surface and create a better base for the stain to adhere to. This step is especially important if you are working with unfinished wood. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain and remove all sanding dust before proceeding.

Step 4: Apply the Gel Stain

Open your chosen gel stain and stir it well. The gel stain will likely have a thick, gloppy consistency, but stirring will smooth it out. Using a foam brush or a shop rag, start applying the stain to the cabinets. Work in sections, starting in the centre and moving outwards. Go with the direction of the wood grain to achieve a smooth, even finish. Apply enough gel to keep the surface wet so you can work with it.

Step 5: Remove Excess and Allow to Dry

Use a bristle brush to remove any excess stain and create a smooth finish. You can pre-dampen the brush with a mineral-soaked cloth and then use a second, dry brush to feather out any remaining excess. Once you are happy with the colour and finish, allow the stain to dry completely. This typically takes 24-48 hours, depending on temperature and humidity.

Step 6: Apply a Topcoat

Even though gel stains look and feel dry, they do require a topcoat to protect the colour and finish. Choose from options like oil-based gel satin, water-based high-performance topcoats, or flat finishes. Apply the topcoat according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually with a soft-bristle paintbrush.

Step 7: Reassemble and Enjoy

Once the topcoat is dry, you can reattach the hardware and enjoy your freshly stained cabinets!

Frequently asked questions